-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- If you do n't like mangoes , look away now .

This article includes a `` mango '' word count well in excess of what is normally reasonable .

It features mango culinary demonstrations , mango samplings , mango lectures , mango medics , a mango auction and even a mango summit .

That 's because I attended the International Mango Festival , held in the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami earlier this month .

It 's an annual event , one that draws enthusiasts , like myself , and also mango `` experts '' who gather to talk , taste and slurp their way around this sweetest , drippiest of fruits .

I imagine most are still reading .

After all , who does n't like mangoes ?

The United States is the world 's biggest importer of mangoes , buying in more than 300,000 tons of them in 2010 , worth around $ 280 million , according to the UN 's FAO figures .

That 's not as much bananas -- in the same year the U.S. imported more than 4 million tons of bananas , worth nearly $ 2 billion .

But clearly we have a liking for this red-yellow fruit .

My mission , I decided , was to try and discover if there is such a thing as a `` perfect '' mango , and if so , where I could find it .

Hundreds of varieties

It 's not as absurd a mission as you might think -- there are an estimated one thousand mango varieties grown around the world , the Fairchild Garden has a collection of 600 types , and they 're all quite different .

`` Surprisingly , only 20 of those are commercially traded , '' says Noris Ledesma , the curator of tropical fruit for Fairchild 's Tropical Fruit Program .

`` The most common are Tommy Atkins , Ataulfo , Kent and Keitt . With the exception of Ataulfo , which is from Mexico , all other varieties are from Florida . ''

Mangoes were introduced to the United States in the early 1900s by David Fairchild , the then manager of the Office of Seed and Plant Introduction of the U.S. Department of Agriculture .

His global seed explorations brought thousands of seeds , plants and crops into the country , including the mango .

Originally from South Asia , the mango moved to Africa , then South America and the Caribbean . Fairchild brought the mango into the U.S. from India .

For Dr. Richard Campbell , director of horticulture and senior curator of tropical fruit at the Fairchild , mangoes are `` a special fruit that have everything : aromas , flavors , colors and culture .

`` They bring out passion and appeal to the common man and to the most sophisticated . ''

So where should I start on my perfect mango mission ?

`` Mangoes from Indonesia do not taste the same as mangoes from India , Hawaii or Mexico . It 's just geography , '' says Dr. Campbell .

So perhaps I should start close by -- in Florida .

Florida produces the majority of mangoes in the United States , and it turns out South Floridians are exceptionally confident with their mango selections .

Local favorites

Standing in front of the one dollar line for the mango tasting and flavor evaluations , I ask festival attendee Stacey Griffin what she votes for .

Her mango of choice is the Merritt , a complex mango from Florida with layers of flavors .

Griffin 's second choice goes to the Champagne mango , also known as the Ataulfo , from Mexico , with thick , buttery flesh and a thin pit .

For Griffin , mangoes are great in all forms : hot , cold , as smoothies or in a cooked dish .

For others , including myself , the choice is too overwhelming to make such an important decision so quickly .

I wonder if there are tricks or techniques I should apply to come to a decision quicker .

`` The best way to taste mango and to appreciate the complexity of the flavors is early in the morning with an empty stomach , '' says Ledesma .

If you want to get really technical , which is exactly what festivals like this seem to thrive on , we can also argue over mango cultivation , pruning , crafting and market demand .

The event features a long diary of workshops and displays and other proceedings on all things mango .

I learn , for instance , that while India is the world 's biggest producer of mangoes by some distance , Mexico is the biggest supplier to the United States , with China , India and Brazil following .

That does n't necessarily mean Mexico has the best mangoes , but the Champagne variety from Mexico is deliciously sweet with an appetizing orange color .

Then there 's the Keitt -- shining yellow and aromatic .

There 's the Manila from Philippines -- strong and sour .

The Okrong from Thailand is also pleasant , while the Kent variety is rather grassy .

Mangoes during the festival sell for the modest price of $ 1-2 each , but in Japan the price can go much higher .

`` The Floridian mango sells for $ 80 a piece , '' says Ledesma . `` It 's given as a gift because its red color is a symbol of luck and abundance . ''

Mango tastings do n't have to involve the fruit in its pure form .

Cut , cooked , creamed

Soon I find myself trying mango-based dishes like sticky rice with mango , mango ceviche and mango chutneys offered by local vendors and chefs .

It all has a refreshing yet sweet flavor and the savory and spicy combinations intrigue me .

Its versatility makes it easy-to-use in salads , dips , chutneys , smoothies and even bread .

But even after dozens of tastings , I 'm still looking at my notes unable to decide what makes a perfect mango .

I seek alternative opinion once again .

`` I definitely do not like Manila , '' says seven-year old son . `` It 's super sour . ''

Dr. Campbell says it 's almost impossible to decide what the `` best '' mango is .

But that does n't stop him picking one out .

`` My favorite is the Edward because I grew up with it , I have it in my backyard , '' says Campbell . `` It is safe and it reminds me of home . ''

After two days of exploration , numerous tastings and various conversations I finally decide on a favorite : I opt for the Fairchild mango from Panama , named after David Fairchild .

It 's smooth , creamy and fragrant , its bold sweetness is addictive and I 'm intrigued by the color .

It 's just a shame my choice means excluding so many delicious others .

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The International Mango Festival takes places every year in Miami , bringing together mango enthusiasts and experts

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Dozens of varieties from around the world can be tasted , cooked and bid for during the two-day event

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The Fairchild mango was named after David Fairchild , who introduced mangoes to the U.S. in early 1900s